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If you’re looking for a quick, high-protein dinner that’s bursting with fresh, zesty flavors, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Quinoa Bowl is a must-try.
It’s light yet filling, packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a well-balanced meal that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle.
The juicy, garlicky shrimp pairs beautifully with the fluffy quinoa and sautéed spinach, while the bright pop of lemon and cherry tomatoes adds the perfect contrast of flavors. Best of all? This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you need something delicious, nutritious, and easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied
- Light yet incredibly flavorful with zesty lemon and garlic
- Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes
- Naturally gluten-free and nutrient-dense
- Perfect for meal prep—reheats well for lunch or dinner
Why It’s Great for GLP-1 Users
If you’re taking Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, or other GLP-1 medications, this recipe is a fantastic meal option because it checks all the right boxes for satiating, nutrient-dense eating while supporting weight loss and blood sugar balance.
- High in protein (30g per serving): GLP-1 users need more protein to maintain muscle mass while losing weight, and shrimp is a lean, high-protein option.
- Balanced macros: This meal combines healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it easy to digest and less likely to cause nausea, a common GLP-1 side effect.
- Light but filling: The fiber in quinoa and spinach helps you feel satisfied without feeling overly full or sluggish.
- Blood sugar-friendly: Quinoa provides slow-digesting, complex carbs that help maintain steady blood sugar levels without spikes.
- Great for small portions: Because GLP-1 meds slow digestion, smaller meals work best. This recipe is easy to divide into smaller servings while still packing a nutritional punch.
Ingredients
For the Quinoa Base:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Lemon Garlic Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
- In a medium pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Stir in the rinsed quinoa, salt, and garlic powder, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Cover and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to coat. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Sauté the Spinach
- In the same skillet, add the baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just wilted.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
- Divide the cooked quinoa into serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with shrimp, sautéed spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges for an extra pop of brightness.
Nutritional Info (per serving, serves 4):
Calories: ~400
Protein: ~30g
Carbs: ~38g
Fat: ~12g
Chef’s Tips
- For extra flavor, cook the quinoa in vegetable broth with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Make it spicier! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Want a dairy-free version? Skip the feta or swap it for avocado.
- Make it meal prep-friendly! Store leftovers in airtight containers and enjoy within 3 days.
- For extra crunch, top with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds before serving.
Please note: This website contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
